The Sheriff is back with the Milwaukee Admirals yet again. This time he’ll be taking up an entirely new role while kicking back on the bench. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)

The Milwaukee Admirals have just announced that long-time Admirals defenseman and captain Scott Ford will be an assistant coach for the 2015-16 season. He’ll join the bench with head coach Dean Evason and assistant coach Stan Drulia. Ford is expected to work with the team’s defensive group.

Milwaukee, WI—The Admirals announced today that Scott Ford has been named as an assistant coach for the 2015-16 season. Ford joins current Admirals Head Coach Dean Evason and Assistant Coach Stan Drulia and will work with the team’s defensive corps.

“We’re really looking forward to having Scott as our second assistant coach in Milwaukee,” said Admirals General Manager/Nashville Predators Assistant GM Paul Fenton. “Obviously his experience and knowledge of our organization played a large role in his hiring. His leadership and his ability to help our kids develop as players will be a tremendous benefit and we are really pleased to have him.”

Ford finished a distinguished 11-year playing career last season, splitting time with the Admirals and the South Carolina Stingrays. He skated in 12 games with Milwaukee, posting a pair of assists and 14 penalty minutes. The Brown University alum helped the Stingrays to an ECHL-record 23-game winning streak and a berth in the Kelly Cup Finals.

Overall, Ford spent parts of seven seasons with the Admirals, including two as team Captain, and his 378 games played are the second most in club AHL history. The Fort St. John, BC native posted 14 goals and 31 assists for 45 points, a +37 rating and 577 penalty minutes—also second most in team AHL history. Ford is one of just two defensemen since 2004 to finish the season +20 or better. (+24 in 2011-12).

This signals what I saw coming down the road for the Sheriff which is a transition from on-ice duty to a coaching role. Ford has natural leadership qualities and joins a coaching staff that is incredibly familiar with and appreciative of all that he brings to the table. Plus, Ford’s short stint with the team late last season brings him up to speed with some of the new philosophies that came with Peter Laviolette’s introduction in Nashville. It’s a perfect fit for Ford to start his career in coaching.

Excited to have the Sheriff back with the Admirals? Do you feel Ford’s presence helps the Admirals? Can his mind for defense help the young defensemen that the Admirals will be fielding once again this season?